those 'in the know' can hopefully enlighten me on what I find as the curious timing of the announcement. Rumoured for quite some time, so after the Lions tour I get, but why wait until now? Was their a requirement that this season had officially started and therefore he was in his last contracted season?

In a non salary capped world, it would be a great signing. Dan is a really good player and would enhance our side for sure. However, with Myler, Piers and Grayson, the money could possibly have been used to bolster elsewhere, unless Stephen is retiring next season?

Walks11those 'in the know' can hopefully enlighten me on what I find as the curious timing of the announcement. Rumoured for quite some time, so after the Lions tour I get, but why wait until now? Was their a requirement that this season had officially started and therefore he was in his last contracted season?

Oh no. Whenever I've watched him play he seems intent on 'buying' a penalty instead of getting on with the game. He's been caught out a few times because he's too busy trying to get the refs eye after tackles. Not good in my opinion. Not looking forward to him being with us. Not the Saints style IMO.

Walks11those 'in the know' can hopefully enlighten me on what I find as the curious timing of the announcement. Rumoured for quite some time, so after the Lions tour I get, but why wait until now? Was their a requirement that this season had officially started and therefore he was in his last contracted season?

Because we got spanked last week and need cheering up?

are we therefore expecting a big name signing every week from now on then or will it be interspersed with beer discounts

I would assume this means this is Myler's last season. He's not my favourite player, but there's no doubt he's quality and Saints game has traditionally been about forward domination and a controlling 10, rather than 'x-factor' play makers, he suits that to a tee!

Actually I will say 'what comes around comes around', Saints offered him a contract when he was leaving school at 17, he said no at that time. As it has been for North, not a great move, unless the pack, as well as the mid-field, can show significant improvement. Something had to happen as there has always an issue at Ospreys with Biggar and Davies fighting for the same spot, I suppose the younger was always going to get preference.

Much more importantly, I'm with Stuart Barnes, he suggests that Scarlets, if they remain injury free, will be serious challengers for the Euro Cup this season. Its easily forgotten that Scarlets were the only team not to lose to Saracens in last year's competition, Saracens scraped a draw in injury time at New Stradey. Interestingly, its notable how their recent acquisition at no 10 has so improved under the expert tutelage of Stephen Jones. Not sure that Saints have such an expert tutor.

On the one hand he is a good player with international experience. He would start over our current incumbents and would be an improvement. But it's a big use of money in a position in which we are not struggling as much as others. Further, Jim at Saints has a very poor history of 10s. None have held down that position apart from Myler. I would hope that future fortunes are not reliant on Dan.

Great signing, metronomic from the tee and from distance something which we've struggled with for years, a Lion, 50 caps plus for Wales, one of their on pitch leaders. Probably the best recoverer of his own up and under in world rugby, a genuinely great 10. Look Myler has been fabulous but we needed this signing in a really key position. Genuinely surprised that some are doubting it. Best thing JM and co have done for ages.

He is a great player and apparently good bloke as well. But I am disappointed that we have been unable to develop a 10 from within, or even take a player a bit below top level and bring him on.
Look forward to seeing him in GBB.

I think it will be good for young Grayson to be learning from the likes of Bigger, Mhyler and Francis. Alex Mitchell has the likes of Groom and Reinarch to learn from, Collins now has had Pisi, Foden and Horne (if he plays wing) to learn from. Ludlam had Clark Samu and Picamole, now has wood, and Gibson to learn from. For me the team has a good balance about it, we just need them to start performing to their potential.

I personally don't have a problem with this signing, what frustrates me I suppose are comments such as " I'm happy to be joining a team with so much tradition that have one major trophies.. etc etc ".. These type of quotes are always looking backwards at what has happened before, you seldom read " I'm jointing the Saints as it's clear that Northampton is the place to be with great ambition and world leading coches ... etc"...

Having watched Biggar a lot more closely for last how many months we have been linked to him, he is a much better player than I gave him credit for... brave, strong, tackle, kick, pass and very good proven international 10 and had a great Lions tour

With regards Gatlands law, I can't see Jamie Roberts being in contention next year, you'd think starting centres be Williams and Davies?

And Ospreys have a very good young 10, who played a lot last year and will probably play more games than Biggar again this year, taking into account time Dan is away with Wales.

Why is everyone picking Cobus, ahead of Nic for next season, he hasn't even played for us yet and I have been impressed by Nic, just hope coaches pick on form and don't swap n switch like they did with Lee n Khan!

This is a great signing. A lion - 50 international caps - he can kick..

He is not "flashy" (I remember the pain of Spencer - no more "mercurial flyhalfs!).. but actually will add the ability to move the team around the park, dictate play and be really effecient.. exactly as Myler is when at his best. Its these traits that enabled Steve to see off all the "names" that we recruited over the years and I'm sure its these traits that will make Dan have a huge impact in the coming years.

The only downsides are a) he's not a no8 and b) that twitching and fidgeting is embarrassing*

Perhaps we should have made a play for Lowzoski and made him our new 10 though he may end up back at Wasps. How many 10s in the league are class? Farrell and Ford, Burns on his day but has serious off days, the same as Priestland. Gopperth is good but is not getting any younger. Cipriani is far too concerned with himself. Steenson is getting a bit long in the tooth and Slade isn't ready to step up. In terms of the rest, they are not likely to take a club forward to where we want to be. We would be in a much better position to be choosy if we had manage to develop our own 10. Out of all of the positions in the squad, that is the one Jim has never managed to deal with properly.

Ref the embarrassing twitchy stuff, he's changed his pre kicking routine now and it happens a lot less. The twitchy stuff will probably remain though with our coaching team in the stands on match days.

I'm delighted we've signed these players, and can't wait to see these guys out together, but it just struck me that if we have a back line of Reinach, Biggar, Estelles, Francis, Horne, North & Ace... the only English guy is going to be from New Zealand.

HungryLikeTheWolfc) cost when we are losing money
d) away for third of the season minimum
e) potential injuries when away

but i am ambivalent on value...

I suppose the same could be said about Louis, would you have wanted to keep him?

Or even Dylan?

It's a tough one and I see your point Wolf, Quins did win the league once with a squad virtually untouched by international call ups, but there is also the business side to think about, Think sponsorship and ticket sales (which leads to game days spending, merchandise etc) the bast majority of people who watch any rugby I'd suggest watch it in this order - England in the 6 Nations, England other games, Premiership, other rugby... by signing big name stars from the 6 Nations, it's easier to attract sponsorship and try attract new supporters to the club

Do I know the monies we talking about with the above, I sadly don't.

Is it right thing to do? That's a whole different conversation and as a businessman and a supporter I see both sides... I guess it's hope when away others are also weaker and that our squad is strong enough to still compete and when everyone's back, our cup final 23 are strong enough to compete?

HungryLikeTheWolfc) cost when we are losing money
d) away for third of the season minimum
e) potential injuries when away

but i am ambivalent on value...

I suppose the same could be said about Louis, would you have wanted to keep him?

Or even Dylan?

It's a tough one and I see your point Wolf, Quins did win the league once with a squad virtually untouched by international call ups, but there is also the business side to think about, Think sponsorship and ticket sales (which leads to game days spending, merchandise etc) the bast majority of people who watch any rugby I'd suggest watch it in this order - England in the 6 Nations, England other games, Premiership, other rugby... by signing big name stars from the 6 Nations, it's easier to attract sponsorship and try attract new supporters to the club

Do I know the monies we talking about with the above, I sadly don't.

Is it right thing to do? That's a whole different conversation and as a businessman and a supporter I see both sides... I guess it's hope when away others are also weaker and that our squad is strong enough to still compete and when everyone's back, our cup final 23 are strong enough to compete?

Given we lost £1mill no I wouldn't have signed Louis. If I knew those finances. Easily sign Steven Luatua or likes of Shields who would do a job at half the price.

I don't know players salaries but assuming he is one of the highest paid, torn on Dylan. Would probably have let him go after last years indiscretion if I'm honest.

Signing someone like Biggar doesn't need imagination. Anyone can whack some money down and sign him or Louis. I highly recommend the book or movie Moneyball, financially we are like the Oakland As. We have to be very clever in value signings instead of just whacking big bucks on Marquee 6Nations players.

And maybe the directors have decided that we can run at a 1million lost per year and it will be covered? Many clubs are running at a lost and directors cover it, ours small compared to many, thankfully! Who knows?

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